In baptism God gives each of us a personal relationship with Him that can't be destroyed.  Sometimes we're very much aware of our communion with Him, but at other times we find ourselves drifting.  Our prayer lives become stale, and we wonder if God has left us (or if we have left God?).

    The way we relate to God is parallel to the way that we relate to our spouses, our families, and our friends.  All personal relationships that are real require work.  If we take them for granted they become stale and we tend to drift apart.

    Each year the Church sets apart the season of Lent as a special time for each of us to focus on our relationship with God.  During these forty days we're invited to accept personal responsibility for our share of this relationship.  We're encouraged to accept special disciplines to help us open ourselves to the grace that God continually offers.  It's a good idea for each of us to develop a Lenten rule.

    Since each of us is unique, no one discipline works for everyone.  Everyone needs his or her own plan, but the experience of the saints down through the ages can guide us.  In this little paper (links to the document are found below) are set down some of the common ways that people observe Lent.  I hope that it will be helpful as you plan how you will keep Lent this year.  If you have a plan and stick to it, you will be prepared for the explosion of Easter!

Faithfully in Christ,

LORD JESUS CHRIST, send your Holy Spirit upon your people this Lenten season that we might faithfully take up your cross to die to all that is worthless, all that is sinful.  Confident in your abundant mercy, may we face the truth about ourselves without fear.  Freed from all that keeps us from joyfully living our baptismal promises, may we join with all Christians in Easter celebration of your resurrection. 

Rev. John Wall, 2006

AIDS TO LENTEN STUDY

The Bible readings for Lent begin on page 950 in the Book of Common Prayer ("BCP") and run through page 956.  The readings for year one, which begins on the first Sunday of Advent preceding odd-numbered years (year two begins on the first Sunday of Advent preceding even numbered years).

An explanation of the Daily Office Lectionary is found on pages 934 and 935. It is worth a few moments of study.

Also of note is "An Outline of the Faith" which begins on page 845.  The "Historical Documents" beginning on page 864 can give rich insights into the foundations of our faith.

Check the parish tract racks for copies of "Forward Day by Day".  These are a source of inspiration, depending upon the author(s), for a number of parishioners. 

THE CHURCH'S INVITATION

Read during the celebration of the Ash Wednesday liturgy

Dear people of God; the first Christmas observed with great devotion the days of our Lord's passion and resurrection, and it became the custom of the Church to prepare for them by a season of penitence and fasting.  This season of Lent provided a time in which converts to the faith were prepared for Holy Baptism.  It was also a time when those who, because of notorious sins, had been separated from the body of the faithful were reconciled by penitence and forgiveness, and restored to the fellowship of the Church.  Thereby the whole congregation was put in mind of the message of the pardon and absolution set forth in the Gospel of our Savior, and of the need which all Christian continually have to renew their repentance and faith.

I invite you, therefore in the time of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by self examination and repentance; by prayer, fasting and self denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy word.  And, to make a right beginning of repentance, and as a mark of our mortal nature, let us now kneel before the Lord, our maker and redeemer.

From the Book of Common Prayer, pp 264-265.

This self-examination is from the booklet  "Be Reconciled", by William V. Coleman.  Published by Growth Associates.

My Life Within Myself

1. Am I happy to be the person I am, the very best of God's creation?
2. Do I treat myself with respect and reverence?
3. Have I mistreated my own body through the improper use of drugs, alcohol, or sex?
4. Am I developing the talents God gave me by studying, reading, relating to others, and praying?
5. Do I allow discouragement to overpower me and become depressed and morose?
6. Am I sincerely trying to make friends with others?
7. Have I excused myself from any responsibility by saying, "Everyone is doing it"?

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This resource for your use is found broken down in several documents which may be obtained from the links below and read and or printed.

It could change your life, with God's help.

Prayer Life...............Click HERE

(Please be patient, it takes time to load the files)

Self Examination...........Click HERE

Meditation ................... Click HERE

Reconciliation to God; Fasting.......HERE